1. BC BLIND SPORTS 2024 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING   1

2. MEMBERSHIPS AND WAIVERS  1

3. 2024 PARIS PARALYMPIC GAMES  2

4. SUMMER AND ONGOING ACTIVITIES  2

5. NATIONAL COACHES WEEK   4

6.      CONCUSSION AWARENESS WEEK Sept 24th to Sept 30th, 2024  4

7.      SUPPORTERS  5

8.      FOR MORE INFORMATION: 5

1. BC BLIND SPORTS 2024 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Reminder to register for our AGM by contacting susan@bcblindsports.bc.ca.  The AGM is being held on Monday September 23 at 6:30 via Zoom.  The notice of the AGM has been circulated to members and is available on our website.

2. MEMBERSHIPS AND WAIVERS

Thank you to everyone who has renewed their membership.  As per our bylaw change in December 2023, BC Blind Sports and Recreation Association now has only one category of member, and therefore one membership fee ($15).  As our programs and services are for people who are blind, partially sighted, or deafblind; including those who may have additional exceptionalities; for programming purposes we are still asking you to identify if you are blind, partially sighted, deafblind or sighted.

For insurance purposes members are also now required to complete a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, and Assumption of Risks.  This is standard now for sport organizations.  If you have any questions about this form, please contact a BC Blind Sports staff person.

We are currently working to refresh the membership form on our website, to include the waiver.

3. 2024 PARIS PARALYMPIC GAMES

Women’s National Goalball Team Congratulations to the six women on Canada’s Goalball Team.  They trained hard and played hard.  They came home with a fifth-place finish, closing out their Paris 2024 tournament with a victory. Five-time Paralympian Amy Burk scored the only goal of that game in a 1-0 win over Japan.

The following is a list of the six players representing Canada in the sport of Goalball at the 2024 Paralympic Games, with links to their bios.  Congratulations to Maryam Salehizadeh – BC Blind Sports member who was on the team.

1.      Brieann Baldock – Edmonton, AB

2.      Whitney Bogart – Marathon, ON

3.      Amy Burk – Charlottetown, PEI

4.      Meghan Mahon – Timmins, ON

5.      Emma Reinke – St. Thomas, ON

6.      Maryam Salehizadeh – Vancouver, BC

A total of 126 para athletes competed for Canada in 18 sports at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Bios of each athlete named to the Canadian Paralympic Team can be accessed HERE.

4. SUMMER AND ONGOING ACTIVITIES

This summer we attended the CNIB youth camp at Camp Squamish, the Blind Beginnings Camp Limitless in the Potlatch Valley at Camp Potlatch, and the Blind Beginnings Early Intervention Camp.  We thank our partner organizations for this opportunity to connect with children, youth, and their families and to promote physical activity, sport, and BC Blind Sports.

Two swimmers, a coach and tappers attended the BC Summer Games in Maple Ridge.  Congratulations to Nika and Jill on your performances at the games.  Jillian had completed a media bio form and from that was selected to do an interview on Global TV.

The dragon boat season is just winding up – see our next newsletter for results.  A huge thanks to Oddball Workshop for their support of our teams.

Lawnbowls Nationals – congratulations to Barbara MacIsaac from Nanaimo who competed in the B3 category directed by her daughter Susan.  Barbara placed 3rd.

Hockey, in the lower mainland, some practices have been held during the summer and the program is starting up again in the fall.  If you are interested, contact the office.

Walking Program – Vancouver and Chilliwack

We have a walking program in Chilliwack that meets every Tuesday. We will start up our Vancouver/Burnaby walking program again once more interest is gained in the fall. All ages are welcome. If you or someone you know may be interested in a walking program in your area, please contact lachlan@bcblindsports.bc.ca to get more information.

Online Programs

Our online programs have proven to be a wonderful success.  These programs have made it possible for those in remote and local areas to join in and be active.  For some they are learning more about getting to know their bodies and their body movement and for some it’s about getting a workout and keeping active.  Members have reconnected with old friend and made new friends.  If you would like to join in the fun contact Susan at the office at 604-325-8638 or email susan@bcblindsports.bc.ca

Full Schedule – Online Classes:

·       Chair Yoga with Candice – Sunday 6pm

·       Dragon Boat Fitness with Cindy – Monday 7pm

·       Fitness with Brian – Thursdays 7pm

·       BC Blind Sports Active Living Network – Meets once every 4 to 5 weeks.  Next meeting October 22^nd, 2024, and the topic is Eating Healthy and What Activities do you do in the Winter.

If you have any questions, please contact the BC Blind Sports office.

In-Person Fitness Classes

We have Three in-person classes running in Comox Valley, Kelowna, and Nanaimo with one soon to be running in Chilliwack. Our in-person programs are designed to help build on your goals of keeping active, have good balance, and good overall health and fitness.  The program will help with body movement, balance, strength, and endurance, set with your individual level in mind.  All classes are for all adult members at any level of fitness    Theses classes can be a regular class for you or drop in.

Come join us for the fitness and meet up with old friends and build new friends.   Classes are open to members of BC Blind Sports.

The following in person classes are available:

·       Kelowna – classes with Cindy are 5pm to 6pm on Thursdays.

·       Nanaimo – classes with Brian class will start up on Monday October 17^th from 3pm to 4pm.

·       Comox Valley – classes with Jenny are 1:30pm to 2:30pm on Fridays

For more information on location and to register please contact the office or email  susan@bcblindsports.bc.ca

5. NATIONAL COACHES WEEK